1. What is a PGD ? Produced by : Genine Riley Senior Locality Pharmaceutical Adviser South Staffordshire PCT

2. Patient Group Direction Definition … a written instruction for the supply or administration of medicines to groups of patients who may not be individually identified before presentation for treatment.

3. Patient Group Directions The majority of clinical care should be on a patient specific basis The use of PGD’s should be reserved for those limited situations where this offers an advantage for patient care, without compromising patient safety, and where it is consistent with appropriate professional relationships and accountability (HSC 2000/026 Patient Group Directions)

4. Patient Group Directions The legislation enables PGDs to be used for the supply or administration of medicines by: Nurses, Midwives, dieticians, HV’s, optomotrists, pharmacists, chiropodists, radiographers, orthopists, physiotherapists, & paramedics

5. Patient group directions PGD’s should be drawn up by a multidisciplinary group, and must be signed by a senior doctor and pharmacist, both of whom should have been involved in the group. In addition the PGD must be authorised by StHA, NHS Trust or PCT

6. Patient Group Directions- Suitability of application ?? Situations where practitioner is qualified & able to prescribe e.g Extended nurse prescribers & EHC Licensed medicines only- i.e can’t be used for unlicensed products, dressings etc Midwives, podiatrists, optometrists etc exemptions from POM regulations.( see Medicines, ethics & Practice)

7. PGD’s - Summary Written legal document of instruction- variation is not permitted !! Service can only be provided by individuals named on the PGD PGD’s should only be used when it is most appropriate means of providing service Has to be signed off by each PCT